Town Center CID and Partners Celebrate Completion of the South Barrett Reliever with April 23 Ribbon Cutting

Transformational infrastructure project delivers east–west connectivity, improves mobility and supports economic growth in Cobb County

The Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) together with federal, state and local partners, celebrated the completion of the South Barrett Reliever with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 23, at 10 a.m. The event took place on the newly constructed bridge – the largest part of the project – spanning Interstate 75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes.

The South Barrett Reliever represents a transformative investment in Cobb County’s infrastructure, addressing long-standing challenges caused by limited east–west connectivity across I-75. For decades, these constraints increased congestion and restricted access in one of the county’s most active commercial and employment hubs.

“This project is significant not only for its impact within Town Center, but also for the role it plays in strengthening regional connectivity,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID. “It reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to building a more accessible, resilient and connected community. These partnerships were instrumental in delivering a project that will drive lasting connectivity and economic growth.”

Designed as a long-term, multimodal solution, the South Barrett Reliever creates a critical alternative to Barrett Parkway, a fully built-out corridor where traditional widening is not feasible. The project establishes a new east–west connection from Cobb Parkway/US 41 to Barrett Parkway, bypassing the heavily trafficked Barrett Parkway/I-75 interchange by extending the roadway eastward over I-75 and linking back to Barrett Parkway via Roberts Court.

Far beyond traffic relief and safety improvements, the South Barrett Reliever will also increase economic vitality by improving access to enhance business performance, strengthening redevelopment readiness along key corridors and reinforcing Town Center’s role as a regional employment hub.

Project partners include the Atlanta Regional Commission, State Road & Tollways Authority, Georgia Department of Transportation, Cobb County and Cobb County Department of Transportation, Arcadis and C.W. Matthews Contracting Co.

“The South Barrett Reliever has been a long time coming and is worth every moment of the wait,” Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said. “This project is the result of significant investment, but more than anything, it is the result of intentionality and persistence of everyone who refused to give up on the much needed and also possible improvement of this corridor. I want to thank our state partners, the Town Center CID, Cobb DOT, our elected officials current and former, the engineers and contractors who did the hard work on the ground, and the citizens who stayed patient through it all. The Barrett

 Reliever is a powerful example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared vision for a better transportation future for all.” 

A New Framework for Mobility

The South Barrett Reliever serves as a groundbreaking element of a broader mobility vision for the district. The project forms the foundation of The Loop, a 7-mile complete street boulevard experience that will define the heart of Town Center. It delivers the southern east–west arc, connecting Barrett Lakes Boulevard to George Busbee Parkway. It is the first step in transforming individual corridor improvements into a cohesive mobility system.

“The completion of the South Barrett Reliever is a game changer for our residents and businesses in the Town Center area,” said Cobb District 2 Commissioner Erick Allen. “By creating a new east–west connection, we’re giving drivers a reliable alternative, reducing pressure on existing roads and improving everyday quality of life. This project lays the groundwork for continued growth and reinforces Town Center as a key destination in Cobb County.”

Project Highlights and Investment

With a total investment exceeding $62 million, the South Barrett Reliever incorporates:

• A signature bridge spanning I-75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes

• Modern multi-lane roundabouts to improve traffic flow and safety

• A four-lane divided roadway with landscaped medians

• Sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths

• Pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting

• Streetscape and landscaping improvements

  
  

The completion of South Barrett Reliever marks a major milestone in advancing mobility, safety and economic opportunity in Cobb County and sets the stage for future enhancements that will continue to shape the Town Center community.

For more information, visit www.towncentercid.com